Alternative to a forstner bit?

heathicus · Post by **heathicus** » Sun May 13, 2012 3:28 pm

Was piddling around in the shop today working on an idea for a team light candle holder stand thing. If a prototype is successful, I want to walk my son through making one for his mom.

I need to cut a 1-1/2" diameter recess to hold the tea light, but my largest Forstner bit is 1-1/8".

Is there an alternative method that I might be able to use?

JPG · Post by **JPG** » Sun May 13, 2012 3:51 pm

heathicus wrote:Was piddling around in the shop today working on an idea for a team light candle holder stand thing. If a prototype is successful, I want to walk my son through making one for his mom.

I need to cut a 1-1/2" diameter recess to hold the tea light, but my largest Forstner bit is 1-1/8".

Is there an alternative method that I might be able to use?

Turn it on the lathe.

pennview · Post by **pennview** » Sun May 13, 2012 4:26 pm

Another possibility is a router, template guide/guide bushing and template, or a template guide and pattern bit for the router.

anmius · Post by **anmius** » Sun May 13, 2012 4:38 pm

You could always use a spade bit. Not as clean as a Forstner, however

heathicus · Post by **heathicus** » Sun May 13, 2012 4:50 pm

My biggest spade bit is 1". I still have zero lathe experience and I'm not sure how I would mount the stock in this instance either. The router might be an option. But I don't have a guide bushing so would have to free-hand it. Hmmmm...

Gene Howe · Post by **Gene Howe** » Sun May 13, 2012 4:50 pm

I would go with the router and guides.

perryobear · Post by **perryobear** » Sun May 13, 2012 5:57 pm

Could you mark out the full 1-1/2" circle with a compass, drill the hole with your largest forstner bit on the same center, then use a drum sander (1" dia or less) to expand the hole out to the full diameter required?
Just a thought.

Dennis

cincinnati · Post by **cincinnati** » Mon May 14, 2012 1:11 am

You can buy a 1 1/2" bit. $9.95 and free shipping.

http://www.mlcswoodworking.com/shopsite ... orsbit.htm

derekdarling · Post by **derekdarling** » Tue May 15, 2012 12:28 am

... or you could mount it on the lathe (look up 'glue chuck') and get 'er done!

robinson46176 · Post by **robinson46176** » Tue May 15, 2012 3:16 am

Part of the beauty of a Forstner bit is its ability to drill overlapping holes. Why not lay out the out the circle and mark it off in equal spaces and drill a ring of holes then carve it round. Or for that matter, does it have to be "round"? how about a "roundish hole that is sort of evenly lobed?

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